At this time, these resources are only available at the Main Library at 100 Larkin Street in Civic Center.
- Workstations throughout the building are equipped as follows:
- 2nd Floor: Library for the Blind and Print Disabled
- JAWS, Open Book, refreshable braille display with Megadots and embosser, ZoomText Magnifier/Reader and VERA reading station (stand-alone). Internet access, Word, and Excel.
- 3rd Floor (check in at the Page Desk)
- AT Room: Inspiration, WYNN, Read & Write, and ZoomText Magnifier/Reader + VERA reading station (stand-alone). Internet access, Word and Excel.
- Glass Study Room: Dragon Naturally Speaking, Kurzweil 3000, and ZoomText Magnifier/Reader. Internet access, Word, and Excel.
- 4th Floor (check in at the Page desk)
- AT Room: JAWS, Open Book, and ZoomText Magnifier/Reader. Internet access, Word and Excel.
- 5th Floor (check in at the Page Desk)
- AT Room: Dragon Naturally Speaking, and ZoomText Magnifier/Reader. Internet access, Word, and Excel.
A number of terminals equipped with ZoomText Magnifier/Reader provide access to only the Library's online catalog and reference databases. Staff on each floor of the Main Library can direct you to these terminals:
- 1st Floor: Deaf Services Center
- 2nd Floor: Library for the Blind and Print Disabled
- 3rd Floor: International Center
- 4th Floor: Art and Music Center
- 5th Floor: Government Information Center
Anyone may use the talking public access terminals; priority
is given to persons with disabilities. The personal computer workstations with
assistive technology are restricted to persons with disabilities who have met
with the Learning Differences Librarian or the Access Services Manager. Each
user must have a valid San Francisco Public Library card. Contact the Learning
Differences Librarian at 557-4540 or the Access Services Manager at 557-4557.
Staff will show users how to start the computer programs
from the menu, how to print, how to scan in documents and will try to help if a
problem arises. It is strongly encouraged that users have basic computer skills
and familiarity with the keyboard and mouse.
SFPL staff does not provide actual training on how to use
these computer programs. Users can learn them on their own, request the
assistance of an in-library volunteer or enroll in a training program outside
of the library. Staff can provide a list of training resources during your user
interview. It is important to note that the level of complexity for each
computer program varies. Some, such as Dragon NaturallySpeaking, can require
several hours of training. If you are a skilled user and would like to
volunteer your time to train other potential users, please contact the Learning
Differences Librarian at 557-4540.
